Quick Answer: Store your EpiPens in their carrier tube at a temperature between 15°C and 25°C. Never store EpiPens above 25°C. Do not refrigerate. Do not freeze.
If you have severe allergies, you’ll know just how vital your EpiPen is—it could truly save your life in an emergency.
Ensuring your auto-injector is stored properly and stays effective when you need it most is absolutely essential. The active ingredient, epinephrine, is highly sensitive to temperature and light, which means it requires specific storage conditions to maintain its effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about proper EpiPen storage, including temperature guidelines, the manufacturer’s recommendations, and helpful tips from real-life users.
Related article: EpiPen Carrying Cases: Benefits, Features, and Recommendations.
Watch the video below to learn more:
EpiPen Storage: Protecting Against Heat and Light
According to Viatris, the manufacturer of EpiPens, these EpiPen Injectors should be stored in a cool, dark place to remain effective until their expiry date.
Whether you use the EpiPen 0.3 mg for adults or the EpiPen Jr 0.15 mg for children, it’s important to keep them in their carrier tube at a temperature of 15°C to 25°C.
Additionally, avoid placing EpiPens in direct sunlight or bright artificial light, as this can degrade the epinephrine.
Related article: Travelling with an EpiPen: What You Need to Know!
How to Store Your EpiPen at Home
At home, keep your EpiPen in a consistent, cool place out of direct sunlight, like a medicine cabinet in a room that doesn’t experience large temperature fluctuations. Avoid storing it in bathrooms, where heat and humidity levels can vary.
If you spend time at work or school, make sure your EpiPen is stored securely but is also easily accessible. Inform colleagues or teachers of its location and how to use it in an emergency.
In any situation, it’s vital to keep your EpiPen in a place where it can be accessed immediately. For example, when visiting friends or attending events, ensure someone knows where it is and how to use it.
Do EpiPens Need to Be Refrigerated?
No, EpiPens should never be refrigerated. Cold storage can cause the epinephrine solution to crystallise, potentially blocking the auto-injector mechanism and rendering it ineffective.
If you’re travelling in cold weather, protect your EpiPen by keeping it close to your body or in a thermal insulated case, but avoid direct contact with ice packs.
How to Store EpiPens in Hot Weather
Ensuring your EpiPen remains safe and effective during the summer months or in hot climates can be a bit of a challenge. Extreme temperatures, especially those above 25°C, can compromise the epinephrine, making it less effective when you need it most.
When the weather heats up, here are some straightforward tips to help you keep your EpiPen cool and ready to use:
1. Avoid Leaving Your EpiPen in the Car
Never leave your EpiPen in a car, especially during hot weather. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise sharply, often exceeding 25°C, rendering the epinephrine ineffective. If you’re travelling by car, keep your EpiPen in a cooler bag and always take it with you when you exit the vehicle.
2. Invest in a Medical-Grade EpiPen Case
Specialised thermal insulated cases are designed to keep medications like EpiPens at a safe, stable temperature. These cases can maintain a temperature below 25°C, making them an excellent choice for summer travel or outdoor activities.
3. Keep It in the Shade
Direct sunlight is your EpiPen’s worst enemy. Always store it in the shade or in a bag that’s out of direct sun exposure. If you’re outdoors, place your bag in a shaded area to help maintain a stable temperature.
4. Monitor the EpiPen’s Condition
It’s essential to check the storage conditions of your EpiPen regularly, especially during summer. Through the viewing window on the device, ensure the solution remains clear and colourless. If it becomes discoloured or cloudy, this may indicate heat damage, and the EpiPen should be replaced.
5. Be Wary of Ice Packs
While keeping your EpiPen cool is important, DIY cooling bags with ice packs can cause more harm than good. These setups often result in temperature fluctuations or direct contact with the ice, which can freeze the epinephrine, making it unusable.
6. Choose Indoor Storage Spots Wisely
At home, store your EpiPen in a cool, dry place away from heat sources such as ovens, radiators, or appliances. Avoid leaving it near windows or doors where sunlight or warm air might affect the temperature. Ideally, the room temperature should stay below 25°C.
Storing Your EpiPen Correctly: Safety First
Properly storing your EpiPen is about more than preserving your medication—it’s about being prepared to save a lifeduring a severe allergic reaction. The storage conditions of an EpiPen can directly affect its ability to function when you need it most.
Let’s explore some key tips and best practices for keeping your EpiPen safe, accessible, and ready for use.
Always Keep Your EpiPen Close at Hand
When it comes to epinephrine injectors like EpiPens, timing is everything. In an emergency, there’s no time to rummage through drawers or bags to locate it. Keeping your EpiPen readily accessible is just as important as ensuring it’s stored at the correct temperature and away from light.
Here’s how to keep your EpiPen within easy reach in different situations:
- At home: Assign a dedicated spot for your EpiPen, such as a cupboard or drawer in a cool, dry place. Make sure all household members know where it is and avoid moving it unless necessary.
- At work: Store a spare EpiPen at your workplace. Inform a trusted colleague about its location and provide instructions on how to use it in case of an emergency.
- When travelling: Always pack your EpiPen in your hand luggage or a personal item that stays with you at all times. Avoid placing it in checked luggage or burying it under other belongings.
- At social events: Carry your EpiPen in a pocket, handbag, or small bag that stays by your side. Let a friend or companion know where it’s kept and how to use it in an emergency.
Related article: How to Fly With an EpiPen: Guidelines for Airplane Travels!
More Tips for Managing Your EpiPen
Effective EpiPen management goes beyond storage. Here are some additional tips to ensure safety and preparedness:
1. Check the Expiry Date and Solution Quality
Inspect your EpiPen regularly. Through the viewing window, make sure the solution remains clear and free of particles. If the liquid appears discoloured or cloudy, or if the device is past its expiry date, replace it immediately.
For extra peace of mind, consider signing up for a free EpiPen Expiry Alert Service to remind you when replacements are needed.
2. Educate Those Around You
Make sure family, friends, and colleagues who might assist you are familiar with how to use an EpiPen. Many UK pharmacies and local health services offer training sessions on administering epinephrine in emergencies.
3. Store EpiPens in Multiple Locations
If you split your time between different locations, such as home, work, or a relative’s house, keep an EpiPen at each place. This reduces the chances of being caught without one when you need it.
4. Always Carry a Backup
Having a spare EpiPen is especially important if you travel frequently. A backup ensures that you’re prepared for unexpected situations or accidental loss.
5. Wear Medical Identification
Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or carrying a card that lists your allergy and the location of your EpiPen. This can be invaluable in situations where you are unable to communicate during an allergic reaction.
6. Consult Your Healthcare Professional
Regularly discuss your EpiPen storage practices and emergency action plan with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide personalised advice tailored to your lifestyle and specific needs, ensuring you’re always well-prepared.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Do you have any advice or personal experiences with storing and managing EpiPens? Perhaps you’ve been in a situation where having your EpiPen readily available made all the difference during an emergency?
We’d love to hear your stories, tips, or insights in the comments section below. Your contribution could provide valuable guidance to others looking to improve their allergy management and preparedness.
Let’s come together to share our knowledge and help each other stay safe and ready for any situation!
